Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
174. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that his Department will examine the case for TDs having direct access, a local dedicated phoneline or service, in particular for rent allowance, so TDs can speak with the community welfare officers section when necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has longstanding direct contact arrangements in place for Deputies. The Department provides a dedicated TD enquiry line and mailbox for each of the main schemes where Deputies can raise specific queries for their constituents directly with the relevant scheme area by phone or email. The enquiry lines and mailboxes are monitored daily to ensure an efficient and effective response is provided to queries raised.My Department also operates within the Parliamentary Question (PQ) system and the Public Representative question to the Minister (REPs) system. All are designed to ensure that TDs have a variety of mechanisms to raise issues relating to their constituents or to the operation of the Department.As the Community Welfare Services (CWS) administers Rent Supplement, enquires in relation to Rent Supplement can be raised directly through the dedicated CWS TD enquiry line and mailbox.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
